Planning commissioner named in Lemon Grove

LEMON GROVE  Regina Caskey, who graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2007 with a degree in urban studies and planning, was unanimously chosen to be the city of Lemon Grove's newest planning commissioner.

Caskey, 28, was interviewed for the position along with four other candidates, Stephen Browne, Scott Robinson, Susan Yepiz and Tim Matthies, all of whom were asked the same six questions, at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Interviews were open to the public and were maxed out at 15 minutes per candidate.

Caskey will join Robert Bailey, Sean Cole, Moises Aguirre and chairwoman Jennifer L. Mendoza on the Planning Commission. The council selected Cole for the commission in January when former Planning Commissioner Racquel Vasquez was elected to the City Council. Caskey will replace Lewis Zollinger.

While Caskey said she has only lived in the city for four years, the Los Angeles native won over the council with her answers, which included a story about how her mother, who lives in Los Angeles, went to a grocery store in Lemon Grove and was shocked at the friendliness of fellow shoppers.

"She said, 'People came up to me in the store and talked to me!'" Caskey said, laughing. "That's what I think is the most beautiful thing about Lemon Grove and really characterizes the city in my mind. I would love to see the enhancement of the buildings, urban development and the community. (Lemon Grove) does have a small-town feel and does have that friendliness."

Caskey, a former preschool teacher, said she enjoys working with the youth (mostly East African refugees) at her church, Laurel Bible Chapel in City Heights. She also spoke highly of the San Diego Trolley and its importance to the city's business environment.

"The trolley affects businesses, families that live here," said Caskey, who is married with an 8-month old daughter. "I'm very excited about the apartment housing by the trolley. Lemon Grove is already going in such a great direction and I think there is a lot more that could happen to enhance the community."

Asked what she would do if there were conflicting interests in the community on a particular project, Caskey said, "I would make sure both sides are really heard. I would look at the interests of the city as a whole and decide whether that project fits in that vision."

City Councilman George Gastil said he was "leaning toward one we knew better, Susan, Steven and Scott," referring to three Lemon Grove residents who are active on other committees and commissions and in the community. "They all had vision, all knew what they were applying for and I could tell they're all listeners. Susan or Steve, they have a little track record, a little more seasoning. But Regina was impressive right off the bat, especially with her background in urban planning."

Vasquez, the former planning commissioner, said it was a tough decision, but Caskey's "wealth of knowledge about the General Plan" made Caskey a standout.

"I'm very excited, I feel really honored," Caskey said. "Now that I stay at home and watch my daughter, I feel like I've can really discover the city. I'm excited to learn more about Lemon Grove, to learn about the businesses and to get to know the community even better and be involved with it all in any way that I can."